ECODESI as a connecting link between sustainability issues & generations
ECODESI is a non-profit organization whose main objective is the planning and implementation of projects in the social and ecological field. It is based on the recognition that the environment and society are closely linked and that human behavior – including traditions, culture and habits – has a significant impact on the quality of the environment. Examples such as extreme weather events, resource scarcity and the loss of biodiversity are the result of human actions that affect the environment in which we live and thus public health, the economy and social stability.
With the awareness of the previously described connections and after analyzing the way of life of our ancestors and their daily habits, we have found that many of today’s practices should be improved by taking their experiences into account. We firmly believe that their practices were more (environmentally) friendly than those of today’s societies.
For this reason, we wanted our project “COLORES DE IDENTIDAD ESPAÑA-COSTA RICA. 2024 (COLORS OF IDENTITY SPAIN-COSTA RICA.2024) to focus on intergenerational exchange.
Here we bring together older participants with young people and children, so that the experience and wisdom of the older people merge perfectly with the freshness, energy and technological know-how of the young people.
Intergenerational exchange promotes lifelong learning and holistic thinking and action
This intergenerational exchange promotes both learning and unlearning, with the aim of working together to protect natural resources. Old ideas, such as “water is an inexhaustible resource”, are questioned, while young people develop an awareness of the effects of current consumer behavior.
Studies and research encourage us to take a critical look at the situation. We see it as a success that this intergenerational exchange promotes lifelong learning – regardless of age – and supports the preservation, documentation and passing on of knowledge. It also makes the older population more visible and ensures that their knowledge is preserved, valued and made accessible for future generations. The aim is to promote holistic people who cultivate a positive relationship with the environment and develop respect and sensitivity.
Over the past few years, we have encouraged young people to develop a genuine love of nature and natural resources. We want them to use technology to promote good practices that help protect our environment and develop respect for older people and their knowledge.
So far, our projects have focused on environmental protection. Through various activities, a link was created between older adults and children to promote the exchange of experience in the environmental field.
We are convinced that lifelong learning is a social need and a right for all people. ECODESI’s intergenerational activities with an environmental perspective help to create diverse learning opportunities, acquire new skills and abilities and promote positive attitudes such as solidarity, creativity, participation and harmonious coexistence. This is exactly in line with the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
Learning together promotes transformation
Data shows that intergenerational exchange through inclusive educational activities has highlighted aspects that promote the transformation of coexistence between older people and children – to the benefit of both groups and society as a whole. In 2025, educational activities will continue to be carried out in which children, young people and older adults from our community learn together, with a particular focus on environmental issues.
For this reason, we have merged our projects:
We are convinced that the integration of the “Sources of Wisdom ” project – which offers older adults personalized and holistic care in a pleasant environment and interaction with their peers, improving their quality of life – with the “Colours of Identity” project, which focuses on the preservation and dissemination of local seed varieties and the revival of the identity and traditions of a people who traditionally lived in harmony with nature, is a valuable form of education.
Our projects aim to preserve this knowledge so that it lasts for generations to come.
Text by MSc. Adela Rosales Peña (left; Mónica: right)
Coordinator of the ECODESI organization
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